The Peterson's: First Day of School!

And the first day since Cameron's been out of school, that I've been able to take a REAL lunch hour - hence the afternoon post. Yahoo! I used my "lunch hour" to take Cameron to skate camp this summer, and then drive home again, so this is great to have some down time again! Anyway, back to the original topic ... First Day of School!

Here it is … a day that ALL parents look forward to. Do not kid yourself; we all look forward to the routine and structure that accompanies the first day of school! Two months of summer vacation goes pretty fast, especially when it is jam packed with all the necessary activities: vacations, staying up late, summer camps, swimming, and “I’m bored …” ☺ Despite the readiness for school to start up again, it is truly bittersweet.

This morning Kailee and Alex came over, so I got to drop all three off for their first day of school. The kids all had pancakes, took turns getting their hair “done” and were so good and patient to take the infamous first day pictures. See below – they are GREAT! What a treat to be the one to experience this with them. My niece and nephew started Kindergarten and Preschool, and even though they went to the school last year, this is a new year. More kids attending and new teachers. They were very excited. And even though I have gone through this day for the past few years now, it is still hard, and I still managed to have a few tears in the car on the way home. After all, my baby started 3rd grade today!

I know Cameron all too well, and was not surprised that he “didn’t want to go back to school”, yet he had a stomachache yesterday because he was excited and had a hard time going to sleep last night. I know he is anxious for the adventure to begin; anxious to see his friends; anxious for the organization of a school day/week that he needs to stay focused. I knew that with all the chaos going on at school, and that he would be so excited to get out and see his friends that I probably wouldn’t get my usual "morning kiss in the car when I drop him off." I walked all the kids onto the school playground, and by the time I had set Alex’ bag down and turned around, he was off with his bud Tyler. I made a bold move for a mother of a 7-year old … I walked out onto the playground where they were all playing. I know. How embarrassing, right? I was prepared for the reception that I figured I would get, but did not care. Chatted with the two boys for a minute, unthinkingly asked if they wanted me to take a picture, and … check the weather forecast in hell because … Cameron said yes. What? Who are you? Not MY son … not the one that hates having his picture taken, and more often than not, refuses to smile. ☺ Picture was taken, (also see below), covered my bases with “Be Good” and “Have a Great Day,” one more kiss from Kailee and Alex, and I was outta there. If the response to my question this afternoon of “How was school?” is any different from the normal “Fine” or “Good” … then I’ll be sure and post details. But don’t hold your breath. Oh, and that usual "morning kiss in the car when I drop him off"? I got it on the playground. ☺ Happy First Day of School!

First Day of 3rd Grade!